







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| He is fine. | |
| Oh, sorry, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to order what I want! | |
| How dare he... He is so stupid!!! | |
| Very nice! I hope he doesn't do it all the time! | |
| Sorry, madam, Friday is one of our busiest nights! | |
| Anyway, this is Cate and her friends from work. | |
| Okay, it seems they have no aggression towards each other. | |
| Why? What's wrong? | |
| What’s their name? | |
| That would be great! Do you think it's possible? | |
| My rent is monthly, I pay £600 per month. | |
| Erm... Yeah... Sure! It's our first anniversary! | |
| I really don't know, but I believe it's more than 100 years old. | |
| I hope it's not related to me! | |
| Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | |
| Do you want me to put the chicken into the cooker first? | |
| That's fine, I'm almost ready. | |
| Alright, I think I know who he is... | |
| Is your dog a Chow Chow? | |
| Thanks, but I don't have time to stay. | |